Keir Starmer says government will stand firm on disability welfare overhaul

Tally of rebels stands at 108, as Labour heavy-hitters including Sadiq Khan urge PM to pause legislation

Keir Starmer has said the government will stand firm on its welfare plans as ministers and party whips struggled to contain a growing Labour rebellion before next week’s vote.

The tally of rebels already stood at 108 by Tuesday morning and, as Labour heavy-hitters waded into the row, there were fears inside government that the number would rise and scupper Starmer’s changes to benefits.